Walter Eley

Walter H. Eley KILL DEVIL HILLS - Walter Henderson Eley died surrounded by family at home Friday, July 17, 2009. He was 73. Walter was born Sept. 21, 1935 in Petersburg, Va. After completing high school, Walt served his country proudly in the United States Army. Following his military service, Walt pursued many entrepreneurial ventures such as two laundromats, a Dairy Treat, and a motel. He was most proud of being the founder and owner of Ettrick Supermarket. Always willing to help others, Walt served actively in many civic organizations including The Moose Lodge, the Elks Club and the Colonial Heights Jaycees. After retiring to the Outer Banks with his wife of 24 years, Rae Eley, Walt enjoyed his membership at the Duck Woods Country Club and cherished his church family at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. Surviving Walt Eley is his devoted wife, Rae; a sister, Arlene Simmons-Kohli and husband Jerry Kohli; two sons, Steve Eley and wife Sherry of Prince George, Va., and Murray Castellow and wife Debby of Charlotte, N.C.; four daughters, Cindy Clark and husband Wayne of Prince George, Vicky Schrum and husband Will of Chesterfield, Va., Judy Eley of Chester, Va., and Candis George and husband Steve of Nags Head; 11 grandchildren, Owen Heath, Charles Castellow, Andrew Castellow, Aaron Heath, Brianna Heath, Lindsey Koch, Jesse Ratliff, Sara Ratliff, Travis Monger, Blair Eley and James Hurley; four great-grandchildren, RaeLeigh Castellow, Emme Castellow, Mallory Koch and Bryce Koch; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who loved him. He was the son of the late Charles C. Eley and Annie Inge Eley and the brother of the late Richard Eley. A visitation will be held at the Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church today from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Walt's life will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. Pastor Curtis Campbell will be officiating and the Rev. Brad Bradshaw will be the eulogist. Procession will follow to the New Hollywood Cemetery in Elizabeth City immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in Walt's honor be forwarded to Dare Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 1000, Manteo, NC 27954, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at donations@michaeljfox.org. Condolences to the family may be sent via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices. Gallop Funeral Services Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.